What’s In A Name? EVERYTHING!

It was a little question, really… or so I thought.  I just didn’t realize how BIG Your answer would be, Lord!

This morning, I asked You:  “How could I ‘hallow’ Your name today in a unique way?” — i.e., revere, respect, and honor it as holy?  After all, You did ask us to do this when You taught Your first disciples how You wanted us all to pray:

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.”  (Matthew 6:9)

I wanted to do this “hallowing” in a fresh way this morning.  I don’t want it to become just a “going through the motions” kind of thing, where I check it off my daily “To Do List” without really meaning it in my heart.  I know how easily this can happen (and has happened to me in the past).

I thought about going outside and just sitting in the stillness, observing You in the creation all around me.  But it was way before dawn and I knew I wouldn’t be able to see much in the dark.  (Come to think of it, that would also be a revealing encounter… wouldn’t it, Lord?!)

🙂

But instead, You suggested I go to the Internet and find a list of Your names in the Bible. Surely, that would help me branch out beyond the twenty-or-so names I usually lift up to praise You.

What I found blessed my socks off!!!

Only twenty names?  How about 900 plus???  Technically, this list includes names and titles. But still…  WOW!

Over 900 names and/or titles that describe something essential about Your character?! Like facets in a rare jewel that make You “sparkle” with such brilliance, it is almost beyond my ability to see?

I could focus on just one of these names (facets) on any given day… couldn’t I, Lord?  Which would take me… what?  The next 2.5 years?!   Or maybe forever, as I deeply reflect on how You have fulfilled (and are fulfilling) each of those names in my own life?  PLUS in the lives of those I know and love?  PLUS in the lives of those I don’t know, but whose stories inspire me nonetheless?

“I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.  I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.  Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together.”  (Psalm 34:3)

Why am I not surprised to see which of Your names is listed FIRST?

ABBA!!!   🙂

Joyfully hallowing, with all my heart…

Abba’s Girl

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *